Family and friends of Johnny Ruffo rally around singer/actor as he battles brain cancer

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FAMILY and friends of X Factor Australia and Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo are coming together to help him in the fight of his life holding a fundraising event at the Stirling Adriatic Centre on October 27.

The former “Balcatta brickie” who got his big break after appearing on the reality show and went on to star in the Australian soap was diagnosed with brain cancer in August after experiencing what he thought were migraines.

With the event, hosted by Ruffo’s brother Michael and his cousins Phil and Chris Italiano, the trio hopes to raise money to help with medical and living expenses associated with the star’s treatment.

Ruffo’s cousin Phil said after hearing the news they felt the need to help him out and rallied together.

“After hearing the devastating news of my cousin Johnny, his brother Michael, my own brother Chris and I decided to call on all family and friends and organise a fundraiser for him,” Phil said.

“We don’t have a set amount we are targeting but more so our hope is to help assist Johnny with both medical and living expenses over the coming year and beyond and alleviate any financial burden.”

Ruffo underwent emergency surgery to remove 95 per cent of the brain tumour and was later told he had stage three malignant oligodendroglioma cancer.

“Johnny has now commenced his intensive treatment plan which consists of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy,” Phil said.

“Once this event arrives, he will have completed six weeks of radiotherapy at a frequency of five days a week; 30 treatments in total.

“He will then have a four week break before undergoing a probably six months of chemotherapy.

“Thankfully by all accounts, the type of tumour responds well to these treatments and we remain optimistic Johnny’s will do the same.”

The trio hopes the event, hosted by Nine News Perth presenter Lisa Fernandez, which will also feature entertainment by Ruffo’s former Perth band Supernova, will help raise enough money to ease the burden.

“There will also be a DJ, light refreshments provided by Full Belly Catering and there will be memorabilia for purchase on the evening,” Phil said.

“Bring your wallets and open heart as this is an event not to be missed.”